insoluble
[in-sol-yuh-buh l]
- incapable of being dissolved: insoluble salts.
- incapable of being solved or explained: an insoluble problem.
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Origin of insoluble
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for insoluble
Contemporary Examples
Bennett says the conflict with the Palestinians is “insoluble” and sounds almost happy about it.
In other words, they were not going to let the most insoluble problems trump what could be achieved.
Winston Lord and Leslie H. Gelb: Nixon’s China Opening, 40 Years LaterWinston Lord, Leslie H. Gelb
February 20, 2012
Worrying about Yemen is a way not to worry about the insoluble problems of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Historical Examples
The problem is not insoluble, but we must admit that the solution is not easy.
The Sexual QuestionAugust Forel
A strong solution of alum put into glue will make it insoluble in water.
Practical Mechanics for BoysJ. S. Zerbe
"We haven't reached the insoluble part," said Adine gravely.
David Lannarck, MidgetGeorge S. Harney
The insoluble compounds of zinc can be prepared by precipitation.
An Elementary Study of ChemistryWilliam McPherson
Most of the chromates are insoluble and can therefore be prepared by precipitation.
An Elementary Study of ChemistryWilliam McPherson
insoluble
- incapable of being dissolved; incapable of forming a solution, esp in water
- incapable of being solved
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for insoluble
adj.
late 14c., "unable to be loosened," from Latin insolubilis "that cannot be loosened," from in- "not" (see in- (1)) + solubilis (see soluble). Figurative use, of problems, etc., is from late 14c.
It was a tacit conviction of the learned during the Middle Ages that no such thing as an insoluble question existed. There might be matters that presented serious difficulties, but if you could lay them before the right man -- some Arab in Spain, for instance, omniscient by reason of studies into the details of which it was better not to inquire -- he would give you a conclusive answer. The real trouble was only to find your man. [Gertrude Bell, "The Desert and the Sown," 1907]
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
insoluble
(ĭn-sŏl′yə-bəl)- Not soluble.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
insoluble
[ĭn-sŏl′yə-bəl]
- Not capable of being fully dissolved. Fats and oils are insoluble in water.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.